EMPF causes progressive, fatal pulmonary fibrosis in horses. Welfare management focuses on comfort and quality of life given the poor prognosis.
EMPF presents one of equine medicine's most difficult welfare situations — a rapidly progressive, incurable disease with a median survival of weeks to months. Welfare management must be honest about prognosis while maximizing quality of life during the disease course. The primary welfare goal shifts from disease management to comfort maintenance and preparation for humane euthanasia when welfare can no longer be maintained.
Respiratory distress is the primary welfare concern in EMPF. Anti-inflammatory treatment, bronchodilators, and ensuring good ventilation reduce respiratory effort. Nutritional support through palatable, energy-dense feeds maintains body condition during the catabolic phase. Regular welfare assessment using respiratory rate, appetite, attitude, and activity allows timely euthanasia decisions before severe distress develops.